Today was pretty fun; I had dinner with Max's entire extended family on his Mom's side, which was awesome. It's interesting to see the dynamics that exist within the family; everyone has their own quirks, favorite people, etc. I really loved that I got to see my sisters-in-law Melanie and Jenna, mother-in-law Kimm, and Kimm's friend Carmon, who is really cool. They hung out for a little bit before and after the dinner, which was at Bona Casa. It was SO NICE to just chillax with them, I love them so much and wish they were around here more. They offered to come and visit, and also for me to come visit them, whenever I need, if I am ever lonely or sad or just want to hang out. They also brought Kimm's dog Zippy with them, who is sooo cute. :) He is a funny little terrier of some kind, and my cats were kind of weirded out by him. Sam finally sniffed his butt and accepted him a little bit, but Mike bailed the minute he saw Zippy come in.

Kind of tired this evening, watching movies on a channel I didn't know I had. Enchanted was on a little bit ago, and now Spiderman 3 is on. I guess the STARZ network was a free trial for however long, and the trial is still going on, so that was a happy discovery.

I am starting to feel the stress of deployment a little more now; doing ok, but it's becoming a lot more real as the weeks are going by. It was icky before, but I was used to him being gone. Now it's more of a "whoa... ok, he really isn't coming home this weekend, or any weekend." I can't imagine being used to him being gone. I know it'll probably happen eventually but holy cannoli. I would love for him to walk in the door right now, give me a huge hug, and tell me that it's all cancelled. I definitely should have gotten more hugs in before he left. Maybe bottled them or something for later use. That'd be nice.

My little goddaughter Lily has learned how to hug; I laughed so hard in church yesterday when I suddenly felt my shoulder being slammed into by a tiny head. What she does is ram her head into you, hold it there, and if she wants to hug you again, slam her head into you multiple more times. I laughed SO HARD. She is absolutely adorable, and makes my whole day. I can't wait to see her again. I almost got to babysit her today, but I had the dinner with Max's family. Soon, I hope, it will happen! That or just having schedules line up to go over there and visit. I love that whole family. Don and Carrie are so perfect together, and they are such wonderful parents as well as just all around great people. I am so fortunate to have them as family!

Family seems to be the theme this evening; I love nothing more than being with family. Sometimes families get on each other's nerves, but when it is all said and done, a family is a truly remarkable thing. I love mine.

Well, time to find something else to do.